A bill proposed in the Florida Republican-controlled state legislature that aims to make it easier for public figures, including lawmakers, to sue news media for coverage they dislike would also have severe repercussions for anyone who uses social media to point out someone else’s bigoted behavior.
In addition to granting greater leeways for defamation lawsuits for public figures against the press, House Bill 991 would also give Florida residents the right to sue others, both in the state or elsewhere in the U.S., who describe their actions online as transphobic or homophobic, for sums as high as $35,000, and would not allow the truth to be used in defenses against such lawsuits.
According to the bill's text, a person suing another over being called out for their bigoted words online would only have to suggest that their commentary was reflective of their personal religious or scientific beliefs to succeed in their suit, even if their words truly were transphobic or homophobic.
Harvard Law School Cyberlaw Clinic Instructor Alejandra Caraballo, who is transgender, shared a series of Twitter posts explaining the bill's scope, saying, “If it involves LGBTQ people and someone’s beliefs, truth is no defense” in the lawsuit.”
Here’s What’s Next In Florida Press Will Be Sued If Claim ‘Homophobic’
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